Terbinafine cream is a topical medication used to treat fungal infections on the skin, such as athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm. To use terbinafine cream, the patient should first clean and dry the area in which he is going to apply the medication and then he should gently rub a thin layer of the cream onto the area. Afterwards, he should wash his hands unless they are a part of the treatment area. In addition, he should allow the area to ventilate; this means that unless a doctor says otherwise, the patient should not bandage or wrap the area. For example, when a patient uses the cream to treat athlete’s foot, he should make sure to wear shoes that will allow air to circulate.
As an external, topical medication, terbinafine cream does not belong in certain places, such as in the eyes, mouth or nose. A patient should not even apply it to his scalp unless advised to do so by his doctor. If terbinafine cream gets into unwanted places, the patient should flush the area with cool water. When used correctly, the medication should clear the patient’s fungal infection in between two to four weeks, but if the infection does not go away, it is best for the patient to consult his doctor. In general, the patient should finish his prescribed treatment regimen, even if his symptoms disappear; using the medication for a longer period of time, or even applying it more often than necessary, can cause the patient to experience more side effects than he usually would.
The majority of those who use terbinafine cream do not experience any side effects, and if they do, the side effects are usually minor. Side effects occur at the site of terbinafine cream application and include burning and itching sensations, as well as irritation. Serious side effects are less likely to occur, but include blistering, oozing and swelling. In addition, a serious allergic reaction to the medication can also occur, although it is rare. Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, rash and swelling of the face, tongue and throat.
Before using terbinafine cream, the patient should discuss with his doctor any other medical conditions he has, or prescriptions he is taking. This is important because the cream might interact with other medications, even though the chances of this happening are low. In general, children under 12 years of age and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use terbinafine cream unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
